benefits of cinnamon

14 Ways Cinnamon Improves Our Lives and Well Being

Cinnamon: Not Just For Your French Toast

There are two types of cinnamon including Ceylon cinnamon, the authentic spice, and Cassia cinnamon, which is a common variety. Both types are created by cutting the stem of a Cinnamomum tree. It is extracted from the bark, dried, and rolled into cinnamon sticks. These are then ground into a powder form. Regardless, both kinds are favorable and flavorful.

Cinnamon is considered a delicious spice that can be added to a number of tasty meals. From snacks to drinks, it can be added to your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although you might not want to eat this distinctive seasoning 24/7, it certainly has powerful health benefits that could convince you otherwise.

The potent smell and unique flavor come from a compound called cinnamaldehyde, which has powerful medicinal properties. It is these benefits that gives this spice more bark than bite!

1. Antioxidants-A-Plenty

Packed with a powerful antioxidant called polyphenol, this spice can help shield the body from free radicals and prevent oxidative damage. Cinnamon contains more antioxidants than garlic, oregano, an other detoxifying seasonings. Needless to say, you can take comfort in knowing that the next time you pay a visit to the beach on on a hot day, this dietary super bark will provide protection from the sun’s intense UV rays.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Now that we know that cinnamon is full of antioxidants, we should also mention that it functions as an anti-inflammatory. Inflammation, under normal conditions, helps your body repair itself from tissue damage and fight infection. However, any long-term inflammation can become a chronic condition over time and often becomes painful. Fortunately for you, cinnamon will help to get you back on your feet!

3. Reduces The Risk Of Heart Disease

Heart disease is a leading killer and cause of premature death amongst people in America. If you need to lower your LDL cholesterol and tame those triglycerides, cinnamon can battle both. Furthermore, it is in everyone’s best interest to strengthen the heart and keep it healthy. All this can be done while keeping your good HDL cholesterol stable (or even increase it).

4. Combats Bacterial Infections

This savory spice’s active ingredient is cinnamaldehyde; oils made using this ingredient can help treat some ailments from a respiratory tract infection to the flu. It can help protect your body from digestive tract symptoms and even the common cold. Cinnamon oil helps boost the immune system, too. Furthermore, the spice also stops the growth of bacteria that cause infections such as Salmonella and Listeria.

Fun Fact: Cinnamon used to be at least 15 times more expensive than silver.

5. Defends Against Diabetes

Diabetes is caused by a sudden resistance to insulin or an failure to manage glucose in the bloodstream. Cinnamon can help improve the sensitivity to insulin and lower blood sugar level. It does this by blocking the enzyme alanine, which, in turn, lets glucose absorb into the blood easier.

6. Guards The Body From Developing Neurological Disorders

The mind is powerful and is a complex organ. As you age, it is possible to experience cognitive decline in brain function. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases are amongst the most sever degenerative neurological disorders that occur due to cell mutation. The neuroprotective properties in cinnamon can protect brain cells and prevent morphing. Furthermore, cinnamon helps to improve motor functions and keep the neurons stimulated.

7. Lowers The Chance Of Cancer

Remember the compound cinnamaldehyde we mentioned in the beginning? Well, it has magical powers! Cinnamon and its miracle agent inhibits cancerous tumor growth and protects your DNA from cell mutation. This means, it promotes cell apoptosis and rids cancerous cells. Cinnamaldehyde is no cure for cancer, but it can help reduce the risk.

8. Freshens Breath And Promotes Dental Health

Having issues with bad breath? Know someone that has you pinching your nose? Bacteria residing in your mouth can cause a stink, cavities, and tooth decay. Natural oils and extracts in cinnamon can minimize microflora and microbiota that are the cause of ongoing dental issues. Moreover, this nice spice is a toothache and mouth sore remedy. Hence, why so many breath fresheners, toothpastes, and chewing gums contain the warming spice. 😉

Fun Fact: Cinnamon is used in traditional medicine.

9. Prevents And Cures Candida

Cinnamon is a natural remedy that protects the body from bacterial and viral infections. It is especially effective in avoiding and treating Candida in your digestive tract. A clinical study showed that the spice could help lower the presence of this dangerous yeast and prevent the spreading to other vital organs. Conditions, like Candida, can lead to other digestive ailments and autoimmune problems. Thankfully, cinnamon can kick butt and get your body under control.

10. Helps Treat HIV

Since cinnamon is our anti-fungal, bacteria busting knight-spice in shining armor, it is not difficult to believe it can dominate the viral battlefield as well. With the variety of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, this harvest spice may one day be used to help people manage HIV and defend the body from contracting AIDS.

11. Promotes Healthy, Radiant Skin

Do you seek a radiant glow and smooth complexion? Cinnamon oil not only has soothing aromatic properties, but its antiobiotic and antimicrobial qualities can shield your skin from rashes, infections, irritations, and allergic reactions. We spoke earlier about its ability to reduce inflammation and pain. Mix cinnamon and honey together to create an amazing exfoliant and smoothing skin mask for acne and rosacea. You’re looking refreshed already!

12. Helps With Allergies

Allergies are not fun for anyone! The peak of allergy season is torture to those who are affected the most. Allergies come about for various reasons. Inflammation is a primary symptom of most allergic reactions. Cinnamon has proven its power with that ten-fold already. Moreover, the spice can also fight against histamine reactions. Individuals that struggle with asthma can benefit from cinnamon for its ability to reduce symptoms and episodes under the same conditions.

13. Natural Sweetener (Avoid The Sugar)

With so many artificial sweeteners on the market, we are always seeking the natural alternative. Should you be in search of a non-sugar sweetener, you can add a touch of cinnamon to your meal prep. Cutting down your glycemic index in your foods and beverages can vastly improve other related health conditions. In doing so, you eliminate unwanted calories and improve the flavor of your fix-ins. Keep it tasty, but don’t be hasty!

14. Natural Food Preservative

It’s important to know what’s in your diet. We already know that it’s hard to know if food acquired from your local grocery outlet is at top quality and lives up to its package claims. If you can avoid regularly dosing your self with artificial ingredients and chemicals, then embrace the natural foods and organic alternatives. Cinnamon leaf extract sprinkled on your fruits, vegetables, and other foods are a delicious modification. It can help the body secrete tyrosinase inhibitors in the body, which can stave discoloration as oxidization sets in.

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